BACKGROUND: Lumbosacral orthoses (LSOs) are class I medical devices that are used in conservative and postoperative management of low back pain. The effectiveness of LSOs depends on their design aimed at enhancing trunk stiffness. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare two lumbar supports: extensible (made of neoprene and lycra) and non-extensible (made of polyester and nylon). METHODS: Trunk stiffness and damping was estimated from trunk displacement data in response to a quick force release in trunk flexion, extension, and lateral bending...

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a dynamic lycra orthosis in the management of upper limb paresis in a late stage stroke patient. RESEARCH DESIGN: A single case experiment, adopting a 3-phase ABA withdrawal design (without follow-up), approximately 6-weeks per phase, intervention being delivered in the middle/B phase. METHOD AND PROCEDURES: Assessment of arm function was carried out on a weekly basis for the 18-weeks, using a battery of upper limb tests...

Treatment of scoliosis has been under discussion in relation to surgical intervention since the Boston brace was presented by Hall in 1976 (Hall et al. 1976; Watts et al. 1977). The effects of rigid bracing on thoracic skeletal integrity and the possible deformation of ribs due to the high localized pressure due to prolonged wear (Biorthex 1999; Coillard et al. 1999) have been highlighted. The lack of compliance (Houghton et al. 1987) has encouraged clinicians to investigate other options for non-surgical treatment...

The use of flexible compression bracing in persons with neuromotor deficits offers improved possibilities for stability and movement control without severely limiting joint movement options. At the Children's Therapy Center in Kent, Washington, this treatment modality has been explored with increasing application in children with moderate to severe cerebral palsy and other neuromotor deficits over the past 6 years, with good success. Significant functional improvements using Neoprene shoulder/trunk/hip Bracing led us to experiment with much lighter compression materials...